This summer, guests visiting The Walt Disney World Resort can see what it feels like to shoot hoops like a pro at the new NBA Experience. The immersive world, created in partnership with the NBA, will open Aug. 12 and be located in the Disney Springs shopping, dining and entertainment district. The exterior design of the state-of-the-art space was inspired by modern NBA arenas around the country.
“Basketball fans of all ages will be able to experience the game in a whole new way when they visit the NBA Experience at Walt Disney World Resort,” said Bob Chapek, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “We’re excited to join the NBA in offering this unique form of family entertainment. It will be a terrific addition to the world-class lineup of shops and restaurants at Disney Springs.”
The one-of-a-kind experience will bring the NBA to life for parkgoers through interactive exhibitions and activities, including a photo moment that recreates the NBA Draft; a NBA Combine challenge that tracks guests’ jump shots and passing skills — complete with a scouting report that calculates their stats — and a challenge consisting of a series of timed shots to test ball-handling skills.
The NBA Experience building design is inspired by the architecture of NBA arenas around the country.
Credit: 2019 Walt Disney World Resort
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“The NBA Experience will highlight the heart-pounding action and excitement of the NBA world,” said Stan Dodd, executive producer and creative director for Walt Disney Imagineering. “From training simulations and clock-racing competitions to fan-favorite NBA moments, we’re making fans truly feel like star players.”
Meredith Wallace of Minnie Memories Travels in Bedford, N.Y., says that she will recommend the NBA Experience to her Walt Disney World-bound clients. It’s something fun to do on a non-park or rainy day, she notes, and it’s also a great option for teens while parents enjoy shopping and dining at Disney Springs.
In addition to challenging their bodies, The NBA Experience also gives basketball fans the opportunity to challenge their brains during a trivia game that will test their knowledge of the NBA and WNBA. Plus, clients will be able to immerse themselves in two 180-degree cinematic presentations that replicate the in-arena experience. Additionally, armchair b-ball experts who think they can call a game better than the refs can show their stuff through an interactive multiscreen module that lets them watch replay clips from NBA games and then use the tools at their stations to make the “right” calls.
To make sure everyone in the family has the perfect souvenir to remember their time at the NBA Experience, the retail shop will carry exclusive NBA-themed merchandise with a Disney twist.
"The Walt Disney Imagineering team has unparalleled expertise in creating best-in-class attractions for the millions of guests who visit their parks each year," said Salvatore LaRocca, president of global partnerships for the NBA. "We are excited to partner with Disney to bring new and lifelong fans closer to the game."
The Details
Walt Disney World NBA Experience
disneyworld.disney.go.com
